Valparaiso football head coach Dale Carlson announced today that Mike Gravier has been hired to join the Crusader coaching staff for the 2013 season. Gravier will serve as assistant head coach and offensive line coach for Valpo, and will also be the run game coordinator.

"I've known Mike Gravier for 20 years," said Carlson. "We've coached against each other many times, and I was always impressed with how efficient and organized his teams were. His offenses at Malone College were physical and tough to defend. His various experiences as an assistant and head coach at all levels of football will greatly benefit the Crusader football program. I am very pleased to have Mike on our staff."

Gravier comes to Valpo after most recently spending three years as head coach and offensive coordinator at Bluefield College. Gravier led the Bluefield program as it was revived following a 70-year hiatus, guiding the Rams in an exhibition season in 2011 before they began intercollegiate play as a member of the Mid-South Conference (NAIA-DI) in 2012.

Gravier spent a four-year stint as head coach at Malone College from 1995 to 1998, taking the reins after two seasons as the offensive coordinator. Gravier went 30-12-1 over his four seasons at the helm, including three MSFA division titles and two trips to the NAIA playoffs, highlighted by an appearance in the NAIA quarterfinals in 1995. He was named MSFA Coach of the Year in 1995.

In addition to his head coaching experience, Gravier brings a wealth of experience as an assistant coach to the Valpo staff. Prior to his time as head coach at Bluefield, Gravier spent one season as the tight end/fullback coach at Concord University. He also has spent time as wide receiver coach at Southeast Missouri State (one season) and quarterback/running back/wide receiver coach at Michigan Tech (three seasons), as well as serving for one season as an offensive assistant under head coach Brian Kelly at Grand Valley State.

Carlson also announced that Alex Bailey, who joined the Crusader coaching staff in March of 2012, will now be Valpo's wide receiver coach/pass game coordinator and will also now serve as the program's recruiting coordinator.